Alzheimer's: Early Signs, Diagnosis and Treatment

n September, we observe World Alzheimer’s Day, a time to spread the word about early signs of the disease, encourage early diagnosis and highlight treatments available. It’s also an opportunity to talk about lifestyle adjustments we can make to support brain health and reduce the chance of cognitive decline.

Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, affecting memory, thinking and behavior; symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. In the brain, Alzheimer's leads to nerve cell death and tissue loss and over time, the brain shrinks dramatically, affecting nearly all its functions.

In 2023, an estimated 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older were living with Alzheimer's – and while there currently is no cure, there are steps we can take to make it easier to live with the disease for the patient and family.

Early Signs

While changes in memory is a natural part of aging, memory loss that disrupts daily life is not. The Alzheimer’s Association offers a set of 10 early signs and symptoms, including changes in planning or problem-solving skills, difficulty completing familiar tasks, and confusion with time or place.

If you notice the early signs in yourself or your loved ones, don’t delay talking about it with your doctor; early diagnosis gives you a better chance of benefiting from treatment.

Diagnosis and Treatment

To diagnose Alzheimer’s, we review medical history and use diagnostic tools such as neurological exams, cognitive and functional assessments, brain imaging (MRI, CT, PET) and cerebrospinal fluid or blood tests.

As for treatment, some drugs have been shown to reduce cognitive and functional decline in people living with early Alzheimer’s, while others focus on helping to lessen symptoms, such as memory loss and confusion, for a limited time. Patients may be able to participate in clinical trials that could provide medical benefits and contribute to Alzheimer’s research.

With early diagnosis, lifestyle changes – such as controlling blood pressure, stopping smoking, participating in exercise, and staying mentally and socially active – may also help preserve cognitive function.

Good Habits for Brain Health

Of course, the best treatment is prevention – and studies show that a combination of diet, exercise, heart health, cognitive challenge and social engagement can make a difference in brain health, even lowering the risk of cognitive decline and possibly Alzheimer's and dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Association offers a list of 10 Healthy Habits for your Brain, as well as recommendations for foods to include in your brain-healthy diet – which also happens to be a heart-healthy diet, too.

Be cautious about supplements; some can interact with other medications you may be taking. While a couple of studies have indicated there may be a benefit to taking a multivitamin, a healthy diet remains the best way to promote body and brain health.

Let’s Talk About Alzheimer’s

If you notice cognitive changes in yourself, your friends, family or others close to you, it can be difficult to know what to do or say. The Alzheimer’s Association has a wealth of information and resources to help you get started – and we highly recommend a conversation with your doctor as soon as possible.